└ piano room

@♖ Kim Jongin When Jongin moved, her body followed, the movement instinctual as though the dance were a replica of their daily lives always chasing after the gorgeous male's shadow, to live up to the expectations he'd instilled in her when she first arrived perhaps hoping that some day he'd see her in the light. Sooner than she would have liked, the song came to an end. Her unfaltering gaze lingered on Jongin's wondering what he saw when he looked at her but knowing she couldn't continue clinging onto the male in silence, Hyoseong stepped back ignoring the renewed flush in her cheeks as she applauded the male for his performance. "Oh my goodness, Nini, you're a natural!! Before long you'll be sweeping everyone off their feet, I just know it. They'll be puddy in your hands before the night is over." She beamed, truly impressed by how well Jongin had improved so quickly under her supervision. Every correction she made, he followed, picking up the adjustments seamlessly. She wondered if he even realized what a vast improvement this was from where they'd began.

@♖ Jun Hyoseong His mind went a thousand miles per minute, shooting random ideas and nickname he could call the woman. It should be the least of his worries but it was becoming evident that his heart beats a little faster that he desired it to be. His gaze never left hers and indeed she is beautiful. He slightly shook his head getting rid of this thoughts. “Empty your mind, Jongin.” He reminded himself to listen to all of her advice. He waited for the right moment. She squeezed his shoulder. He frowned a little but took it as the signal. And so, he took a step on the side cautiously spins and hoped she did as well

@♖ Kim Jongin Hyoseong hadn't expected that retort, muscle memory keeping her body from stumbling all over herself to think that Jongin did not hate the name but wanted to give her one as well. It was a blessing that she managed to keep her poised for, not wanting the elder to know just how frenetic she felt inside from his words. Her face was betrayal enough but the stuttering in her chest at the rare sound of his laughter as his eyes locked on hers, together hand in hand, that was something no amount of schooling could have prepared her for. "The spin is less about accuracy and more about timing. That instant when the momentum is building, the music becoming more grand, it can sometimes be subtle or a rising crescendo. It's about mutual trust, in yourself and your partner. You have to trust that you'll still catch me and I have to trust you won't let me slip and fall," It was only a partial joke to ease the tension in the room but Hyoseong waited listening for just the right moment in the music to help Jongin know what he was looking for and just them, she gave his shoulder a slight squeeze - the signal that this was the moment.

@♖ Jun Hyoseong Her antics left the man giddy in a way that something must be tickling his interest. For people call him in differenr nicknames but never did something like this. He chuckled loving the pink tint on her cheeks. "It is. Now, must return the favour." He responded deep in his own mind for an adorable nickname to address the lady. He felt the movment of their bodies as they glide against that floor. His heart pounding loudly that's all he was hearing. His eyes fixated on her and dare not look down. The last the he did, a woman's big toe turned black. It was obvious to him that the woman perfected her craft that a slight adjustment feels so natural. "Please let me know, if I must spin us around."

@♖ Kim Jongin A deep plush of embarrassment scorched her cheeks when he repeated the name. There wasn't much that the beauty was ashamed of but the awkwardness of Jongin knowing the secret nickname she had for him left her wanting to bury herself in a hole. "That makes it unique then," she muttered still struggling to come to terms with the mistake even though the bronzed male laughed it off kindly. It wasn't until Jongin began moving that she remembered why she was here, every step forward that Jongin took, Hyo took a step back, letting the elder lead her across the room to the sweet melody, only making brief corrections when his strides threatened to overtake her own. For someone with so little experience, Jongin was a surprisingly skilled dancer. The male moved with determined precision, a conviction that left her wondering if it was only his duty to the mansion that had him so determined to excel at the art.

@♖ Jun Hyoseong His face lit up when she closed the distance between them. It wasn’t just because the woman is gorgeous but her word reassured him that all will be alright. “Nini?” His brows raised in confusion, pointing a finger at himself before chuckling. “It’s fine I guess. But I’ve never been called Nini before.” He cleared his throat and gazed at her beautiful orbs and focused at them. The last thing he wanted was to step on her foot. And so, he took a deep breath and took a step forward , following the beat of the music.

@♖ Kim Jongin The hazel orbs visibly brightened when Jongin placed his hand in her own, giving the palm a light,reassuring squeeze as she closed the distance between them. "Don't thank me just yet... There's still plenty of work to do. I'm just honored that you came to me. Asking for help is never easy, I know that all too well, but I just want you to know I'm not here to judge you or tease you for not doing something well and all of this will stay between us. Please don't be too hard on yourself about this okay? I don't expect you to excel at everything, Nini." She froze for just a beat, the nickname slipping from her lips before she could stop herself, chuckling awkwardly before clearing , shifting her open palm to rest atop his shoulder. "Sorry, that was highly unprofessional... Right... So, first things first: confidence is everything. You already have the basic moves down, you just have to own them. Don't think about where you're going to step next, if you're doing something right or wrong. When the music is playing, when the dance begins, there's nothing else in the room that matters but you and them. Let everything else fall away..." As the melody faded and a new waltz stirred to life, Hyoseong nodded for Jongin to begin, her eyes focused solely on the handsome male before her and the staccatic harmony that had her feet itching to perform as well.

@♖ Jun Hyoseong Make him do anything and he'll do well. Dancing never comes as reflexes unlike Hyoseong who is famous for her spectular dancing skills. He's aware that fear of embarrassment is a crutch. She is helping him and has been patient so far. "Thank you." Jongin takes her hand softly gazing upon those beautiful orbs. He nods confirming that this time he will lower his pride and allow himself to be taught. "I'm ready."

@♖ Kim Jongin "There's nothing to be nervous about. It's not nearly as bad as you may think, it's just... Easy to tell that you're concentrating on all the wrong things." She knew that Jongin prided himself on his work, he was the one staff member she admired above all here, particularly with his diligence and skill in keeping everything precise and organized within the large mansion. But it was clear to her that dance was something completely out of his comfort zone. Her gaze softened as she understood his frustration, offering her hand once again. "That's what I'm here for, Jongin, right? It wouldn't do to help you from the sidelines when you're struggling to gather the whole picture. Just be a little more confident with yourself." She restarted the melodic tune, returning to the bronzed male's side while offering him a gentle smile. "May I? Just try to relax, let your body take the lead... The technique will come later."

@♖ Jun Hyoseong He picked himself up and was meet by the Hyo's comment about his own mishaps. The words reached his own understanding but it seemed difficult to digest. He bit his lip and sighed trying to calm his nerves for making a fool of himself. One thing about him: a perfectionist. Making a mistake in front of people, embarrassed. He shut his eyes and nodded in agreement. Her words were constructive criticism and he just need to it up. "I'll be front with you. I'm quite nervous." Jongin scrunched his nose, placing his hands on his waist. "But it is hard to dance without anyone to play the game you're telling me."

@♖ Kim Jongin {} you're totally fine!

Watching the bronzed male move wasn't what she'd expected at all. There was something jarring about each movement, the actions themselves accurate enough but something more lingered behind every one leaving Hyo to question just how deep in his own head Jongin was. The beauty winced at the stumble, in her bottom lip to hide the grimace at the frustrated curse as she let the handsome butler regain his balance and composure. "You're doubting yourself, it's making you hesitate before every step just long enough to throw off your count. And your lines are a bit stiff, there's no passion behind it. Dance, no matter how formal, is a battle of emotions. Give and take. Widen your stance just a bit, don't focus so much on the steps themselves, take in a deep breath and count to three before releasing it. A waltz is centered around two people, it is your position to lead but knowing where to go is the only way to bring you and your partner there. A game of wills, seduction, control. Try again, but don't think of anything else."

@♖ Jun Hyoseong [] really should read my replies before posting. Sorry

It wasn’t her demeanour that’s causing Jongin to feel nervous once she steps forward, asking him to show his dancing skills. Verbally he is guarded, physically he would shrink and fade in the background especially in a crowd. But it is just the two of them and he’s growing weary, not wanting to make a mistake. And so, he nods and gulps down his own fear, placing his hands behind his back and starts to move his feet in the beat. He takes a turn and that’s when he almost trip on his feet. “Oh for fu—“ he mumbles, biting his lip.

@♖ Kim Jongin The flash of anxiety that had gone through her suddenly eased at his response. She wasn't sure if she'd be able to withstand another person nice again stripping down what little she held dear but it was clear by Jongin's words that the request was genuine. With a considerate nod she stepped closer taking note of the tension in his body, the stiff positioning she would normally chalk up to his professional demeanor but within the empty space where it was simply their existence and the slow quartet filling the void, it was clear the butler was stepping out of his comfort zone. "Show me. It will be easier to see what you already know to understand where best to start. There's no judgement here so don't overthink it if you make mistakes." Offering a gentle smile in hopes that it would ease the elder, she held out her hand closing the distance between them while subtly adjusting their stance for the proceeding tempo.

@♖ Jun Hyoseong For no reason whatsoever, Jongin found himself in the grandiose piano room with its high ceilings and sparkling chandeliers. He checked his posture even looked at his shoes. If there's something he must escape from it is dancing itself. Not that he doesn't fancy to share an intimate moment with anyone, it not on top of his priority. The house demands that they must learn the art of dance and music - a simple way to entertain the guests and perhaps gain favour. He stood there in front of Hyoseong, unsure if he should disclose he lacks the skill. "I do know how to waltz, but aside from that, I don't trust myself in the dance floor."

@♖ Kim Jongin It was rare for Hyoseong to share her private interests with others - no doubt a longer side effect from the years of her mother's ridicule - but it was even more unfathomable to have that interest dissected and examined by someone as methodical as Jongin. The piano room wasn't the most ideal location for the instruction but the acoustics of the room made it much easier to hear the missteps that her eyes may have glossed over, the mellow music muting the harsh taps throughout the rest of the house. Though the two have worked together with preparations for the members of the grand household, the beauty knew very little about the man outside of his profession. "I had no idea you were interested in dance, have you practiced before?"

ah.. yeah.. i could see how that would be upsetting..
/offers you my hand
you've come so far since i've first met you, yongguk /chuckles softly

/takes the water and medication, taking the pills before swallowing them down with the water
…I missed Rin, and I saw him with Anthony.. /purses my lips softly

/nods softly and walks off to bring you back the items
/sits beside you on the piano bench
y-you gonna share what's bugging you?

/looks to you and sighs as well
/sits up and nods
a bottle of water and medicine for headaches..

..that's fair..
/sighs softly
can i get you something? food, drink?

/glimpses to you
i said i was fine, it's not my job to convince you-

/brings my hand back and frowns
i just wanted to make sure you were okay..

/moves my arms out of your reach
Don’t touch me..
/closes my eyes

yongguk...
/gently reaches for your arm to rub it
what's going on?

beomgyu, I’m fine.
/folds my arms over my chest
It doesn’t matter anyways…

/sits beside you
no you aren't... you're usually snappy

/stares at the ceiling, stone faced
I’m fine..

/comes in, noticing you're on the piano bench
...yongguk, you okay?

/sits silently in the room, laying on a piano bench
/sighs quietly

@♣️ Henry Cavill /looks up from the piano, getting ready to play it
/raises an eye brow
...Are you okay?
Busy day? /chuckles softly, bringing over my unopened water bottle
Here.